Malibu owes an enormous debt to our Measure S co-chairs: Laura Rosenthal and Kathy Wisnicki. These heroic women led troops of first time activists into battle against apathy and against those who sought to devastate our public school system as 67.61 percent of voters rallied around the children and agreed that protecting their education and investing in their future are worthy causes that benefit us all. Many thanks to the seniors and childless citizens who still believe we are all parties to a noble social contract. Many thanks to the newspapers for covering the scandalous dismantling of public schools with clear eyes and clearer voices.
I have been active in Malibu civic life for a fairly long time. I have never seen so many parents participate in the democratic process. Legions of phone callers, precinct walkers, and poll watchers inspired and rallied people to vote. Many thanks to the parents who finally decided the time had come to stand up for their children. Parents, it is not time to demobilize yet! Our children are not safe. They are only half way out of this very deep hole. There are $6 to $7 million more in school cuts this year and for several years to come.
Our entire community, with parents continuing to participate, must generate new revenue streams into our city coffers that will then be devoted to our schools. We must become very aggressive and professional in our education foundation and PTA fundraising efforts. How about we go beyond digging children out of this disastrous hole and eagerly strive to achieve excellence in our public schools?
Through their tireless efforts, Laura Rosenthal and Kathy Wisnicki have set the standard for us all. Yes, they are intelligent, hard working, and compassionate women. But, first and foremost, they strongly believe they have a profound responsibility to give back to society, to use their gifts and good fortune to improve the world around them. If we all followed their example, the world would be a better place. Thank you, Laura and Kathy, you are brightly shining lights.
Deirdre Roney